Firefighters who rescued an elderly Border Collie from a marina after he went missing six days ago think the dog had swum across the River Tyne.

A rescue operation was mounted to get him to safety after he was spotted in the water at Hebburn Marina, South Tyneside, at midday on Tuesday.

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service shared a photo of the dog on social media after taking him to a local vets and someone who had read a Facebook appeal about Toby recognised him.

BREAKING NEWS - the dog is called Toby and he's been missing since January 17. His owner is on his way to pick him up from the vets! As Toby was missing from Walker, and was found in Hebburn, the vet suspects he may have swam part of the way. #Dogsreunited#GoToby#dogofthedaypic.twitter.com/iXg4bxARAl